With "It's Carnival Time" as the evening's theme, the Krewe of Rhea celebrated its 36th bal masque Saturday at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner.

The krewe chose as king Mr. Peter Gilbert Cazalot Jr.

In a departure from Carnival tradition, the krewe revealed the identity of its queen by having the captain unmask her. Reigning as queen of the ball was Miss Ashley Brook Risey, daughter of Ms. Laurie Ann Risey.

Serving as pages were Masters Jack Chandler Weathington and Briggs Tomas Weathington, sons of Mr. and Mrs. John Weathington III.

Miss Risey, reigning as queen of the ball, wore a white imported silk heavily beaded gown trimmed with rhinestones, pearls and gold appliqués. Imported white fantasia plumes formed the background for her regal collar, which was adorned with gold appliqués and Austrian crystals. A crown and scepter fashioned of brilliant rhinestones completed her regal attire.

As King Rhea XXXVI, Mr. Cazalot wore a white tuxedo trimmed in ornate beading and jeweled gold and rhinestone appliqués. His crown and scepter matched in design and concept that of her majesty, the queen.

The captain of Rhea symbolized "The Spirit of Mardi Gras" and entered the ballroom dressed in an elaborate sequined and beaded gown.

To further carry out the theme "It's Carnival Time," krewe members danced around the ballroom floor dressed in colorful costumes depicting such facets of the New Orleans Mardi Gras as jesters, second-liners, Cafe du Monde and Bourbon Street.

Special guests were the New Orleans Zephyrs mascots, Boudreaux and Clotile.

The De La Salle Cavalier Band Color Guard opened the ball with the presentation of the colors.